7 CFR § 273.2(a)(2) & (d)(1)


Applicants must complete the following actions as part of the application process: 

  • file and complete the application,
  • be interviewed, and 
  • verify all required information.


Deny the application if the EDG refuses to cooperate with any of these actions.

Filing and Completing the Application 

7 CFR 273.2(b)(1)(v) and (c)(1)


The application process begins when the EDG files an application for SNAP benefits with, at a minimum, the:

  • name,
  • address, and 
  • signature of the head of household or authorized representative (A-Reps).  

Note:  Electronic signatures through electronic transmissions are acceptable. Applications signed by a “mark” must also have the signature of a witness.


Return applications missing any of the 3 minimum requirements to the applicant for completion. Obtain any other missing information needed to complete the application during the interview.


Application for SNAP may be made by any of the following individuals:

  • Head of household
  • Other responsible household member
  • Authorized representative (A-Rep)

Application File Date

7 CFR 273.2(c)(1)(iv) and (vi)(A)


The application filing date is the date an application with name, address, and signature is received by 

  • DSS 
  • the DSS Scanning Center, or
  • Social Security office.


Applications dropped off in field offices must be date-stamped with the application filing date.


Applications received after business hours have a filing date of the next business day.  This rule applies to applications that are dropped off, mailed in, or submitted online.

Example: an online application submitted at 6:00 PM on a Friday will have a filing date of the following Monday (if Monday is a holiday then the filing date is Tuesday).


Exception:  Pre-release Institution Resident Applying for SSI and SNAP.

Accept applications with only the minimum requirements and record the date of the applicant’s release as the file date.  

Registering the Application 

7 CFR 273.2(c)(1) & (i)(2)


On the day the application is received

Note:  Online and mailed applications are automatically screened for expedited eligibility based on the applicant’s response to screening questions. 


Review ImpaCT to see if the EDG members are known.

Withdrawal of the Application 

7 CFR 273.2(c)(6)


EDGs may withdraw their application at any time before their eligibility is determined.  Workers must:

  • Contact the EDG to confirm the withdrawal,
  • Record: 
    • the contact with the EDG, and 
    • the reason for withdrawal, and
  • Send a notice to the EDG to advise the: 
    • application was denied due to the withdrawal request, and
    • the EDG may reapply. 

Joint Applications for Agency Programs

7 CFR 273.2(b)(3)


EDGs may use the same W-1E, Application and apply at the same time for SNAP, Medicaid, SAGA, SSUP, or TFA.

       

Complete a single interview for EDGs jointly applying.


Process SNAP benefits following the required SNAP policies and timeframes.  Do not delay processing SNAP because another program is pending. 


EDGs are not required to file another application for SNAP when their application for another program is denied.  SNAP cannot be denied solely because of denial of the other program’s application.


Process SNAP benefits without including cash benefits when it’s uncertain the cash benefits will be approved or the amount is unknown.  


Process SNAP to include the cash benefit when that program is approved.  

Application through Social Security Administration

7 CFR 273.2(k)(1)(i)(A)-(P) and (ii)(A)-(H) & SSA SI BOS01801.300 (TN 5-253 — 07/2005)


EDGs whose members are all applying for, or recipients of SSI, may apply for SNAP through SSA if they:

· haven’t applied in the last 30 days, and

· do not have any pending applications. 

The application file date for applications through SSA is the date the signed application is received by SSA. 

SSA sends completed applications and supporting documentation to DSS within one business day.

Expedited service processing timeframes begin on the date DSS receives the application.

Pre-release Institution Resident Applying for SSI and SNAP

7 CFR 273.1(b)(7)(vi) & 7 CFR 273.2(c)(1) and (g)(1) & (i)(3)(i) 


The application file date for residents of an institution jointly filing for SSI and SNAP is the date the resident is released from the institution.  


Processing timeframes are based on the resident’s release date.  Eligible EDGs receive initial month benefits from the date of release to the end of the month.


SSA will notify the agency of the date of release from the institution.  Restore SNAP benefits to the date of release, if eligible, when SSA doesn’t provide timely notification of the release date.


Workers are not required to complete a 2nd interview (if SSA has completed an initial interview) unless needed to resolve issues or questions.